Ethel Wupperman

After three years of dedication, research, and community-driven effort, the City of Newton Falls has officially completed a project that celebrates its past while looking toward the future: the installation of Downtown Historic District boundary signs. Installed this past Monday at key entry points by the City’s Street Department, the...

We’ve all done it.  You walk or drive by some litter.  “Aww, that’s terrible.’  ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ ‘Litterbugs!’ You think sentiments like this, even say something to your companions. But, do you actually do something about it?  If you are like most of us, probably not....

This reporter has been covering beautiful Newton Falls, Ohio for a few years.  In that time, Ethel has come to love the town, the unique businesses, the community people and the lovely way it is nestled between two forks of a river.  It is a sentiment that is shared...

It is said that if you do what you love, you won’t work a day.  It sure seems to be true with Anissa DiLeo!  This reporter visited with Anissa while she was working, and she was having a blast.  To be honest, we both were.  Anissa is a multi-media...

It’s a love story.  No, wait -- it's a small business article.  No, wait again -- it's a business rebranding.  Okay, it’s all three.  If you’ve never enjoyed a visit to the Wild Goats Cafe’ at 319 W. Main Street in Kent, the time has come!   The Wild Goats...

If you haven’t been to Newton Falls, OH (zip 44444) here is yet another reason to go! In addition to the beautiful town, the two rivers, the many parks, the lit-up water tower, the statue of Liberty, the historic USO Building-Community Center, the Covered Bridge and the wonderful unique...

Newton Falls, Ohio has a great history of helping one another.  This reporter has covered fundraisers and benefits ranging from Bar Crawls to Duck Sponsorships, helping veterans to making Christmas special for those in need.  One can’t talk about the charity of Newton Falls without mentioning the Church Mouse.  Located...

Walking down beautiful Main Street Ravenna, I noticed a new (to me) tenant.  Curiosity piqued, I wandered in, as the sign said that all are welcome.    I entered O.U.R. Place, a safe place for those in recovery from addiction.  Founded by Jessica Easterling, this is their third year at...

You may have noticed by now how this reporter often chooses her topics…yep, the good ol' drive-by!  On my weekly grocery trip into town, I noticed that the Portage County Health Department (next to Marc's) had a Farmers' Market.   Again, the car pulled in of its own volition. ...

As usual, this past week I loaded up my recycling to take to the community recycling area in Paris Township.  This is the hub of Paris, locate near the corner of Newton Falls Road and Route 225.  This also is the site of Shearer Community Center and the Paris...

Time to check in on one of our favorite businesses in Newton Falls, The Five 4’s Distillery.  This reporter sat down with Niki Reid for a bit of catch-up and to get the tea on an upcoming event.  Niki is a bartender there, and her husband is one of...

It is said that if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.  Though the work she puts in is hard, it is work that is loved by Alexis Lane, owner/operator of Northeast Organics, LLC. Located on Whippoorwill Road in Newton Falls Township, near...

Remember Schoolhouse Rock?  Okay, this reporter just aged herself...but I remember many history, grammar and civic lessons being taught through that informative, musical cartoon.  Conjunction Junction What’s Your Function, I’m Just a Bill and many more.  Ever wonder what they would do with the path of your vote? Me,...

Newton Falls, Ohio is often thought of as an idyllic small town.  Everyone knows everyone, and everyone helps everyone.  That is certainly the case recently.  Two young men, Brayden Greathouse and Spencer Sabo recently developed cancer.  As you can imagine, this takes a huge physical and emotional toll on...

The 15th Annual Celtic Club Fights Cancer event took place on the West Main Street bridge over the Cuyahoga River in downtown Kent on Oct. 18. The Club displayed bras to help raise cancer awareness. The display, which began as Bras Across the Crooked River in 2010 to promote...

This reporter has never met a chocolate that she didn’t like.  Or, at least, eat-as the case with cheap valentine’s chocolates bought at gas stations. Loving the chocolate is saved for the best.  Or, as with Pnut Butter Cups Company, the very best. As stated in the title, they are...

So, the Portage County Water Rescue Team heroes have had a busy Autumn.  They have graciously invited this reporter to attend some of their training.  Originally, I was going to observe Boat Rescue Training to be held at West Branch, but that was canceled due to the possibility of...

Some Superheroes don’t wear capes.  Sometimes they wear fins, and masks. Sometimes they, like Batman, use high tech equipment, sometimes it’s a blind search in mucky water, or by boat with sonar.  Regardless of the methods employed, the Portage County Water Rescue Team is a team of Superheroes.  One...

In June of 2023, I went on an Unwelcome Journey.  I thank you for walking with me over the course of the last few weeks as I shared notes from my journal.  If I have helped one person get checked, eased her mind or given hope, then this section...

Hello Dear Readers, as you know this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Last week I shared my (heavily edited) diary of the events leading up to my diagnosis and treatment plan.  This time I will take you through much of my surgery, what I remember, and the weeks following. ...

What’s new in Newton Falls?  Among other things, the Five 4’s Distillery.  Located at 417 North Center Street, just outside of downtown, opened to the public for the Eclipse in April.  That soft opening was so successful, they decided to stay open. You probably have seen the building as you...

It’s a hallmark of summer, a final hurrah before going back to school.  A place where friendships are forged and memories are made.  This place is the county fair, specifically the Portage County Agricultural Society Randolph Fair.  Most of us know it as simply the Randolph Fair, which is...

So, summer has arrived, and school is finally out! Yay! I know that when this reporter was younger (oh so long ago,) sleep was first on the list.  Then catch up on some tv viewing that I didn’t have time for, then maybe have a friend over. Then, boredom...

We all have favorite musicians. Regardless of the genre, music touches us all in some way.  Have you ever wondered how that musician became so good?  Many people say, ‘You have talent,’ others say it is ‘lots and lots of practice.’  Perhaps some combination?  No matter your thoughts on...

What a great year it has been for the Glass Act Stained Glass and Art Studio.  Just last year, owner and artist Ron Stoner was looking for his own location, someplace he could modify to fit his unique vision.  Lots of room, charming building, lots of parking, a place...

Hello Villager People.  Thank you for bearing with me during my health scare.  I’m back!   Being a contributing writer for the Villager allows for some privileges.  Like, the wonderful afternoon I spent last weekend.  It all started at the intersection of 14 and 44. I was sitting at the...

Mantua - How did it happen? This life-time resident of Portage County was clueless. She hopes that rest of the county isn’t. But just in case…did you know that three wonderful trails merge in Mantua? The trails are Buckeye Trail, Headwaters Trail and the Cuyahoga River Trail. The Buckeye Trail,...